Chapter 138: Game, Seth, Match
If audio player doesn't work, press Stop then Play button again
Chapter 138: Game, Seth, Match
"A rift?!" exclaimed Seth as he saw where Kazuki was leading him.
Without a word, the hoplite lifted the skull of his enemy and brought it down onto the rift. The result was immediate.
It vibrated strongly, as if he had placed an ingot on a circular saw. It took Seth less than a second to start screaming. Kazuki took it as a good sign. His bones were not invincible. When the spear isn't enough, get a bigger one.
The necromancer fought like a devil, but Kazuki-Knightmare's strength was far superior.
"SStop this," Seth yelled as a cracking sound echoed.
Kazuki halted the torment to inspect the damage. Cracks had appeared at the back of the skull. Even Tier 2 bones couldn't withstand the damage inflicted by a spatial anomaly.
"What's the deal?" Kazuki asked, turning Seth's face towards him.The roots of this story extend from novell bìn origin.
"The deal?" said Seth, a bit stunned.
"You asked me to stop killing you. So, I suppose you want to offer me something to appease my anger?"
Seth opened his mouth, incredulous. "I..."
"Nothing?" Kazuki inquired, bringing the skull closer to the rift.
The necromancer's spasms startled Kazuki. Finally, Seth burst out laughing.
"Very well, destroy this bag of bones. But beware of my vengeance," he threatened. "I know where you live now, and not all your companions are as tough as you are..."
Kazuki-Knightmare gave a semblance of a smile. It was a superfluous expression for his semi-artificial consciousness, but it sent a message: I do not fear you. This wasn't entirely true, as he didn't want to be responsible for another attack on Priam's loved ones, but showing weakness to a psychopath was a bad idea.
"You're implying that this set of bones is replaceable and that might be true. But you arent doing it, so it must come at a cost." Seth would surely struggle to find a body as exceptional. There were undoubtedly many bones hiding in the forest, but few would be suitable for a humanoid.
"You don't want me to pay that price. Right now, most of my strength is used to control these bones. Without this hindrance, I could crush you," the necromancer threatened.
Kazuki smiled coldly. "You could try."
...
The two adversaries locked eyes for a few seconds before Kazuki's hand approached the rift. He had the upper hand and intended to use it.
"You lunatic! What do you want?"
"That's the problem," the hoplite replied. "I want a lot of things, but I'm not sure you have much to offer me."
Seth snorted. "This forest holds treasures, and I know it better than anyone."
Kazuki shook his head, thinking of Dishnu. "I highly doubt that."
"Oh, you've met the tree-fucker," Seth grimaced. "I can see much farther than him. A freebie: we're on a massive floating island."
Kazuki-Knightmare analyzed the information offered by Seth. If he was telling the truth, then he could indeed see far. Kazuki had been alone for a month and had never reached or even glimpsed the limits of the forest. Of course, the necromancer could also be lying, and he had no way of knowing.
He needed to test him.
"In that direction, there's a particular clearing. It's about..." Kazuki paused. Every civilization had different units of measurement. Alain had shown him what a meter corresponded to, but Kazuki didn't really know the unit of length used by Seth.
"Almost twenty times farther than from here to your base, there's a clearing with a snake skeleton," Seth added. "Certainly a specimen endowed with a powerful poison because no tree grows within thirty meters."
Seth was right. If the necromancer wasn't reading his mind, then he had truly managed to map out a gigantic area.
"How many rivals are there?" Kazuki asked.
"Why should I answer your questions?"
"So I don't kill you."
"I'm already dead," laughed Seth. The insanity in his voice made Kazuki uncomfortable. Negotiating with a madman was impossible.
"Answer five of my questions, and I'll let you go. Even if you get new bones, rebuilding your body can't be easy."
The sentence made Seth think and Kazuki smiled. The necromancer did have a weakness.
"... One, and no attack or pursuit against me."
"Two, and I can retaliate if I feel you're about to harm me."
"Deal. Swear it."
Kazuki squinted. It seemed too easy. He'd taken an oath to always tell the truth, but Seth couldn't know that. Unless a broken oath gives him power over me?
"I swear it under the condition that you answer to the best of your ability and without lying to my next two questions."
"I swear on the Necromoon to answer to the best of my ability and without lying to your next two questions," declared Seth.
Kazuki prepared to object when a presence descended. The aura of the Necromoon engulfed Seth before vanishing. Instinctively, Kazuki knew that Seth would lose all free will if he broke his oath. The Necromoon wasn't as neutral as the System.
"Give me a moment to think," Kazuki said. Many questions could be interesting, but the first one seemed obvious.
"I want a report as detailed as possible on the Necromoon."
Seth sighed.
"I have more conjectures than confirmed facts," the necromancer warned. His voice seemed clearer, showing a conscious effort to be honest. "It's a supreme being or what's left of one. I'm not talking about one of those minor or major gods some of our kind worships now. I'm talking about a being almost on par with one of the Seven."
Kazuki nodded. According to the System, the Necromoon was in competition with one of the Seven for control of 'Soul'. Only an almost omnipotent being could enter that race.
"The Necromoon influences the living and the dead," Seth continued, glancing quickly at the rift centimeters from his face. "The weaker the mind and soul, the more intense their influence. If it becomes too intense... You become their slave."
"You didn't tell me how to fight against them," Kazuki noted.
Seth gave him a contemptuous look. "Fight against a moon powerful enough to face the Concepts? I didn't think you were that foolish."
"I don't think you're doing your best to answer." the hoplite replied, a cold glint in his eyes.
"... The influence of the Necromoon is particularly strong on the dead and the weak-willed. Strengthen your vitality and will, avoid direct contamination, and thank the System for its intervention. Without it, you'd already be an undead. Finally, you have a little over six days to prepare for its arrival. I know nothing more."
Since the event hadn't yet started, the information was still limited. Kazuki hadn't learned much, but he knew the most important thing: he needed more power.
"Second question: I want your best map, annotated with all points of interest: resources, monsters, rivals,... Everything."
Seth looked at him, and for a moment, Kazuki thought he might refuse. After all, it wasn't exactly a question. It didn't matter. If he refused to answer, Kazuki was willing to wait. Priam would arrive soon enough, and he hadn't promised anything. Seth would die.
Finally, the necromancer summoned a shadow that took the form of a topographic map. About fifty markers appeared, including their current position and that of Log-rhythm. Comparing the distance between these two positions, Kazuki got an idea of the actual size of the mapped area. The map was almost twenty times larger than his own.
And if it was to be believed, they were indeed on a giant floating island.
Kazuki stood up and released his opponent. "You may leave."
Seth dusted off his pants - the only garment he had left - before giving Kazuki a smile.
"See you Kazuki."
Without another word, Seth disappeared into a shadow. Kazuki waited a moment before smiling. Seth had destroyed the wooden twig infused with his Spear Mastery.
But he hadn't gotten rid of the nanobots that had infiltrated his flesh.
"Possible," responded Kazuki. The next moment, the formidable warrior leaned heavily against a tree behind him.
"You should go rest," advised Priam.
"What will you do?" asked the hoplite, gritting his teeth.
"First, Ill keep an eye on this barrier. Then, I have some ideas to discuss with the others. I won't leave until you're in shape," reassured Priam.
Kazuki nodded before being seized by spasms. His tremors were so powerful that he nearly uprooted the tree supporting him with a shoulder shove.
"... Are you going to be okay?"
"The symbiosis is ending and... Let's just say, until now, electrical circuits reinforced my nerves. I'm trying to manage the disconnection with Micro, but it's complicated," the warrior breathed.
"Go to my room," offered Priam, opening a Secret Passage in a nearby tree. Kazuki staggered to the portal before disappearing. "Thank you."
Priam stared at the spot where the portal had just closed. Conflicting emotions stirred within him. Kazuki was a rival. An ally of circumstance. Up until now, he had admired the hoplite for his martial prowess, his teaching, and his honor.
It was different now. Kazuki had undoubtedly saved his family's lives. According to Log-a-rhythm, he hadn't hesitated for a second to protect their base. Of course, the hoplite had a personal interest in it, but that didn't change the facts.
Kazuki had risked his life to help him.
"What do you think of Kazuki?"
Sphinx, still nestled against Priam, looked up at him with big, innocent eyes. "I think he's a friend!"
Priam smiled. "Yes, me too..."
"But you're my best friend!" exclaimed Sphinx.
Priam burst into laughter.
"Here's what went down," Priam summarized. He had waited for the barrier to restore itself before letting his loved ones out. Sitting cross-legged on a platform conjured by Log-a-rhythm, everyone had listened as Priam commented on Log-a-rhythm's projection. Only the special connection between Priam and his tree allowed for mental projection. The others had to watch a movie. An action movie.
"Whoa. And I thought I was catching up," Louis muttered.
"Kazuki was impressive," Alain agreed. "But Seth too, and there are still other rivals..."
"At least five more according to Seth," confirmed Priam. "Their bases are marked on the map."
"As well as a multitude of resources," Blueberry pointed out. "Have you already chosen your first target?" Blueberry asked.
"What makes you think I'm eyeing those resources?"
"You're as greedy as a dragon. You hatched a plan to snatch a fruit during your Tribulations, and I almost lost my life picking it up, remember?"
"Um, yes," coughed Priam. "I was thinking of waiting for Kazuki to raid as many locations as possible. Starting with those close by, far from the other rivals' camps or monsters, and interesting for Log-a-rhythm."
Priam turned to his father. "Plus, I'd like to use my inner world."
"What do you mean?"
"Why steal a fruit when I can steal the whole tree?"
A silence settled before Blueberry burst into laughter. "And to think you had the nerve to ask me how I knew you wanted those resources!"
Priam joined in the laughter.
"Thats nice, but what about Seth?" Mirscella asked after everyone had calmed down.
Priam felt anger rising in him. He quickly mastered it. "Kazuki placed a technological tracker in him. As soon as the opportunity arises
I'll finish what Arnold started.
Status: (Average value for a Homo sapiens male before integration: PHY 10 / MEN 10 / META 0)
PHYSICAL:
Strength 398
Constitution 662 (+16)
Agility 404
Vitality 538 (+27)
Perception 582
MENTAL:
Vivacity 322
Dexterity 422
Memory 127
Willpower 648 (+28)
Charisma 418
META:
Meta-affinity 334 (+8)
Meta-focus 241
Meta-endurance 185 (+12)
Meta-perception 107
Meta-chance 216
Meta-authority 12
Potential: 828 (+23)
Tier 0
[He Who Eludes Death] charge: OFF. Reloaded in 13 hours 2 minutes 2 seconds.
[Tribulation]: Four Tribulations pending.
Future Tribulations delayed until:
Time: 176 days 13 hours 35 minutes 15 seconds.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 138: Game, Seth, Match
"A rift?!" exclaimed Seth as he saw where Kazuki was leading him.
Without a word, the hoplite lifted the skull of his enemy and brought it down onto the rift. The result was immediate.
It vibrated strongly, as if he had placed an ingot on a circular saw. It took Seth less than a second to start screaming. Kazuki took it as a good sign. His bones were not invincible. When the spear isn't enough, get a bigger one.
The necromancer fought like a devil, but Kazuki-Knightmare's strength was far superior.
"SStop this," Seth yelled as a cracking sound echoed.
Kazuki halted the torment to inspect the damage. Cracks had appeared at the back of the skull. Even Tier 2 bones couldn't withstand the damage inflicted by a spatial anomaly.
"What's the deal?" Kazuki asked, turning Seth's face towards him.The roots of this story extend from novell bìn origin.
"The deal?" said Seth, a bit stunned.
"You asked me to stop killing you. So, I suppose you want to offer me something to appease my anger?"
Seth opened his mouth, incredulous. "I..."
"Nothing?" Kazuki inquired, bringing the skull closer to the rift.
The necromancer's spasms startled Kazuki. Finally, Seth burst out laughing.
"Very well, destroy this bag of bones. But beware of my vengeance," he threatened. "I know where you live now, and not all your companions are as tough as you are..."
Kazuki-Knightmare gave a semblance of a smile. It was a superfluous expression for his semi-artificial consciousness, but it sent a message: I do not fear you. This wasn't entirely true, as he didn't want to be responsible for another attack on Priam's loved ones, but showing weakness to a psychopath was a bad idea.
"You're implying that this set of bones is replaceable and that might be true. But you arent doing it, so it must come at a cost." Seth would surely struggle to find a body as exceptional. There were undoubtedly many bones hiding in the forest, but few would be suitable for a humanoid.
"You don't want me to pay that price. Right now, most of my strength is used to control these bones. Without this hindrance, I could crush you," the necromancer threatened.
Kazuki smiled coldly. "You could try."
...
The two adversaries locked eyes for a few seconds before Kazuki's hand approached the rift. He had the upper hand and intended to use it.
"You lunatic! What do you want?"
"That's the problem," the hoplite replied. "I want a lot of things, but I'm not sure you have much to offer me."
Seth snorted. "This forest holds treasures, and I know it better than anyone."
Kazuki shook his head, thinking of Dishnu. "I highly doubt that."
"Oh, you've met the tree-fucker," Seth grimaced. "I can see much farther than him. A freebie: we're on a massive floating island."
Kazuki-Knightmare analyzed the information offered by Seth. If he was telling the truth, then he could indeed see far. Kazuki had been alone for a month and had never reached or even glimpsed the limits of the forest. Of course, the necromancer could also be lying, and he had no way of knowing.
He needed to test him.
"In that direction, there's a particular clearing. It's about..." Kazuki paused. Every civilization had different units of measurement. Alain had shown him what a meter corresponded to, but Kazuki didn't really know the unit of length used by Seth.
"Almost twenty times farther than from here to your base, there's a clearing with a snake skeleton," Seth added. "Certainly a specimen endowed with a powerful poison because no tree grows within thirty meters."
Seth was right. If the necromancer wasn't reading his mind, then he had truly managed to map out a gigantic area.
"How many rivals are there?" Kazuki asked.
"Why should I answer your questions?"
"So I don't kill you."
"I'm already dead," laughed Seth. The insanity in his voice made Kazuki uncomfortable. Negotiating with a madman was impossible.
"Answer five of my questions, and I'll let you go. Even if you get new bones, rebuilding your body can't be easy."
The sentence made Seth think and Kazuki smiled. The necromancer did have a weakness.
"... One, and no attack or pursuit against me."
"Two, and I can retaliate if I feel you're about to harm me."
"Deal. Swear it."
Kazuki squinted. It seemed too easy. He'd taken an oath to always tell the truth, but Seth couldn't know that. Unless a broken oath gives him power over me?
"I swear it under the condition that you answer to the best of your ability and without lying to my next two questions."
"I swear on the Necromoon to answer to the best of my ability and without lying to your next two questions," declared Seth.
Kazuki prepared to object when a presence descended. The aura of the Necromoon engulfed Seth before vanishing. Instinctively, Kazuki knew that Seth would lose all free will if he broke his oath. The Necromoon wasn't as neutral as the System.
"Give me a moment to think," Kazuki said. Many questions could be interesting, but the first one seemed obvious.
"I want a report as detailed as possible on the Necromoon."
Seth sighed.
"I have more conjectures than confirmed facts," the necromancer warned. His voice seemed clearer, showing a conscious effort to be honest. "It's a supreme being or what's left of one. I'm not talking about one of those minor or major gods some of our kind worships now. I'm talking about a being almost on par with one of the Seven."
Kazuki nodded. According to the System, the Necromoon was in competition with one of the Seven for control of 'Soul'. Only an almost omnipotent being could enter that race.
"The Necromoon influences the living and the dead," Seth continued, glancing quickly at the rift centimeters from his face. "The weaker the mind and soul, the more intense their influence. If it becomes too intense... You become their slave."
"You didn't tell me how to fight against them," Kazuki noted.
Seth gave him a contemptuous look. "Fight against a moon powerful enough to face the Concepts? I didn't think you were that foolish."
"I don't think you're doing your best to answer." the hoplite replied, a cold glint in his eyes.
"... The influence of the Necromoon is particularly strong on the dead and the weak-willed. Strengthen your vitality and will, avoid direct contamination, and thank the System for its intervention. Without it, you'd already be an undead. Finally, you have a little over six days to prepare for its arrival. I know nothing more."
Since the event hadn't yet started, the information was still limited. Kazuki hadn't learned much, but he knew the most important thing: he needed more power.
"Second question: I want your best map, annotated with all points of interest: resources, monsters, rivals,... Everything."
Seth looked at him, and for a moment, Kazuki thought he might refuse. After all, it wasn't exactly a question. It didn't matter. If he refused to answer, Kazuki was willing to wait. Priam would arrive soon enough, and he hadn't promised anything. Seth would die.
Finally, the necromancer summoned a shadow that took the form of a topographic map. About fifty markers appeared, including their current position and that of Log-rhythm. Comparing the distance between these two positions, Kazuki got an idea of the actual size of the mapped area. The map was almost twenty times larger than his own.
And if it was to be believed, they were indeed on a giant floating island.
Kazuki stood up and released his opponent. "You may leave."
Seth dusted off his pants - the only garment he had left - before giving Kazuki a smile.
"See you Kazuki."
Without another word, Seth disappeared into a shadow. Kazuki waited a moment before smiling. Seth had destroyed the wooden twig infused with his Spear Mastery.
But he hadn't gotten rid of the nanobots that had infiltrated his flesh.
"Possible," responded Kazuki. The next moment, the formidable warrior leaned heavily against a tree behind him.
"You should go rest," advised Priam.
"What will you do?" asked the hoplite, gritting his teeth.
"First, Ill keep an eye on this barrier. Then, I have some ideas to discuss with the others. I won't leave until you're in shape," reassured Priam.
Kazuki nodded before being seized by spasms. His tremors were so powerful that he nearly uprooted the tree supporting him with a shoulder shove.
"... Are you going to be okay?"
"The symbiosis is ending and... Let's just say, until now, electrical circuits reinforced my nerves. I'm trying to manage the disconnection with Micro, but it's complicated," the warrior breathed.
"Go to my room," offered Priam, opening a Secret Passage in a nearby tree. Kazuki staggered to the portal before disappearing. "Thank you."
Priam stared at the spot where the portal had just closed. Conflicting emotions stirred within him. Kazuki was a rival. An ally of circumstance. Up until now, he had admired the hoplite for his martial prowess, his teaching, and his honor.
It was different now. Kazuki had undoubtedly saved his family's lives. According to Log-a-rhythm, he hadn't hesitated for a second to protect their base. Of course, the hoplite had a personal interest in it, but that didn't change the facts.
Kazuki had risked his life to help him.
"What do you think of Kazuki?"
Sphinx, still nestled against Priam, looked up at him with big, innocent eyes. "I think he's a friend!"
Priam smiled. "Yes, me too..."
"But you're my best friend!" exclaimed Sphinx.
Priam burst into laughter.
"Here's what went down," Priam summarized. He had waited for the barrier to restore itself before letting his loved ones out. Sitting cross-legged on a platform conjured by Log-a-rhythm, everyone had listened as Priam commented on Log-a-rhythm's projection. Only the special connection between Priam and his tree allowed for mental projection. The others had to watch a movie. An action movie.
"Whoa. And I thought I was catching up," Louis muttered.
"Kazuki was impressive," Alain agreed. "But Seth too, and there are still other rivals..."
"At least five more according to Seth," confirmed Priam. "Their bases are marked on the map."
"As well as a multitude of resources," Blueberry pointed out. "Have you already chosen your first target?" Blueberry asked.
"What makes you think I'm eyeing those resources?"
"You're as greedy as a dragon. You hatched a plan to snatch a fruit during your Tribulations, and I almost lost my life picking it up, remember?"
"Um, yes," coughed Priam. "I was thinking of waiting for Kazuki to raid as many locations as possible. Starting with those close by, far from the other rivals' camps or monsters, and interesting for Log-a-rhythm."
Priam turned to his father. "Plus, I'd like to use my inner world."
"What do you mean?"
"Why steal a fruit when I can steal the whole tree?"
A silence settled before Blueberry burst into laughter. "And to think you had the nerve to ask me how I knew you wanted those resources!"
Priam joined in the laughter.
"Thats nice, but what about Seth?" Mirscella asked after everyone had calmed down.
Priam felt anger rising in him. He quickly mastered it. "Kazuki placed a technological tracker in him. As soon as the opportunity arises
I'll finish what Arnold started.
Status: (Average value for a Homo sapiens male before integration: PHY 10 / MEN 10 / META 0)
PHYSICAL:
Strength 398
Constitution 662 (+16)
Agility 404
Vitality 538 (+27)
Perception 582
MENTAL:
Vivacity 322
Dexterity 422
Memory 127
Willpower 648 (+28)
Charisma 418
META:
Meta-affinity 334 (+8)
Meta-focus 241
Meta-endurance 185 (+12)
Meta-perception 107
Meta-chance 216
Meta-authority 12
Potential: 828 (+23)
Tier 0
[He Who Eludes Death] charge: OFF. Reloaded in 13 hours 2 minutes 2 seconds.
[Tribulation]: Four Tribulations pending.
Future Tribulations delayed until:
Time: 176 days 13 hours 35 minutes 15 seconds.
Chapter 138: Game, Seth, Match"A rift?!" exclaimed Seth as he saw where Kazuki was leading him.Without a word, the hoplite lifted the skull of his enemy and brought it down onto the rift. The result was immediate.It vibrated strongly, as if he had placed an ingot on a circular saw. It took Seth less than a second to start screaming. Kazuki took it as a good sign. His bones were not invincible. When the spear isn't enough, get a bigger one.The necromancer fought like a devil, but Kazuki-Knightmare's strength was far superior."SStop this," Seth yelled as a cracking sound echoed.Kazuki halted the torment to inspect the damage. Cracks had appeared at the back of the skull. Even Tier 2 bones couldn't withstand the damage inflicted by a spatial anomaly."What's the deal?" Kazuki asked, turning Seth's face towards him.The roots of this story extend from novell bin origin."The deal?" said Seth, a bit stunned."You asked me to stop killing you. So, I suppose you want to offer me something to appease my anger?"Seth opened his mouth, incredulous. "I...""Nothing?" Kazuki inquired, bringing the skull closer to the rift.The necromancer's spasms startled Kazuki. Finally, Seth burst out laughing."Very well, destroy this bag of bones. But beware of my vengeance," he threatened. "I know where you live now, and not all your companions are as tough as you are..."Kazuki-Knightmare gave a semblance of a smile. It was a superfluous expression for his semi-artificial consciousness, but it sent a message: I do not fear you. This wasn't entirely true, as he didn't want to be responsible for another attack on Priam's loved ones, but showing weakness to a psychopath was a bad idea."You're implying that this set of bones is replaceable and that might be true. But you arent doing it, so it must come at a cost." Seth would surely struggle to find a body as exceptional. There were undoubtedly many bones hiding in the forest, but few would be suitable for a humanoid."You don't want me to pay that price. Right now, most of my strength is used to control these bones. Without this hindrance, I could crush you," the necromancer threatened.Kazuki smiled coldly. "You could try."...The two adversaries locked eyes for a few seconds before Kazuki's hand approached the rift. He had the upper hand and intended to use it."You lunatic! What do you want?""That's the problem," the hoplite replied. "I want a lot of things, but I'm not sure you have much to offer me."Seth snorted. "This forest holds treasures, and I know it better than anyone."Kazuki shook his head, thinking of Dishnu. "I highly doubt that.""Oh, you've met the tree-fucker," Seth grimaced. "I can see much farther than him. A freebie: we're on a massive floating island."Kazuki-Knightmare analyzed the information offered by Seth. If he was telling the truth, then he could indeed see far. Kazuki had been alone for a month and had never reached or even glimpsed the limits of the forest. Of course, the necromancer could also be lying, and he had no way of knowing.He needed to test him."In that direction, there's a particular clearing. It's about..." Kazuki paused. Every civilization had different units of measurement. Alain had shown him what a meter corresponded to, but Kazuki didn't really know the unit of length used by Seth."Almost twenty times farther than from here to your base, there's a clearing with a snake skeleton," Seth added. "Certainly a specimen endowed with a powerful poison because no tree grows within thirty meters."Seth was right. If the necromancer wasn't reading his mind, then he had truly managed to map out a gigantic area."How many rivals are there?" Kazuki asked."Why should I answer your questions?""So I don't kill you.""I'm already dead," laughed Seth. The insanity in his voice made Kazuki uncomfortable. Negotiating with a madman was impossible."Answer five of my questions, and I'll let you go. Even if you get new bones, rebuilding your body can't be easy." The sentence made Seth think and Kazuki smiled. The necromancer did have a weakness."... One, and no attack or pursuit against me.""Two, and I can retaliate if I feel you're about to harm me.""Deal. Swear it."Kazuki squinted. It seemed too easy. He'd taken an oath to always tell the truth, but Seth couldn't know that. Unless a broken oath gives him power over me?"I swear it under the condition that you answer to the best of your ability and without lying to my next two questions.""I swear on the Necromoon to answer to the best of my ability and without lying to your next two questions," declared Seth.Kazuki prepared to object when a presence descended. The aura of the Necromoon engulfed Seth before vanishing. Instinctively, Kazuki knew that Seth would lose all free will if he broke his oath. The Necromoon wasn't as neutral as the System."Give me a moment to think," Kazuki said. Many questions could be interesting, but the first one seemed obvious."I want a report as detailed as possible on the Necromoon."Seth sighed."I have more conjectures than confirmed facts," the necromancer warned. His voice seemed clearer, showing a conscious effort to be honest. "It's a supreme being or what's left of one. I'm not talking about one of those minor or major gods some of our kind worships now. I'm talking about a being almost on par with one of the Seven."Kazuki nodded. According to the System, the Necromoon was in competition with one of the Seven for control of 'Soul'. Only an almost omnipotent being could enter that race."The Necromoon influences the living and the dead," Seth continued, glancing quickly at the rift centimeters from his face. "The weaker the mind and soul, the more intense their influence. If it becomes too intense... You become their slave.""You didn't tell me how to fight against them," Kazuki noted.Seth gave him a contemptuous look. "Fight against a moon powerful enough to face the Concepts? I didn't think you were that foolish.""I don't think you're doing your best to answer." the hoplite replied, a cold glint in his eyes."... The influence of the Necromoon is particularly strong on the dead and the weak-willed. Strengthen your vitality and will, avoid direct contamination, and thank the System for its intervention. Without it, you'd already be an undead. Finally, you have a little over six days to prepare for its arrival. I know nothing more."Since the event hadn't yet started, the information was still limited. Kazuki hadn't learned much, but he knew the most important thing: he needed more power."Second question: I want your best map, annotated with all points of interest: resources, monsters, rivals,... Everything."Seth looked at him, and for a moment, Kazuki thought he might refuse. After all, it wasn't exactly a question. It didn't matter. If he refused to answer, Kazuki was willing to wait. Priam would arrive soon enough, and he hadn't promised anything. Seth would die.Finally, the necromancer summoned a shadow that took the form of a topographic map. About fifty markers appeared, including their current position and that of Log-rhythm. Comparing the distance between these two positions, Kazuki got an idea of the actual size of the mapped area. The map was almost twenty times larger than his own.And if it was to be believed, they were indeed on a giant floating island.Kazuki stood up and released his opponent. "You may leave."Seth dusted off his pants - the only garment he had left - before giving Kazuki a smile. "See you Kazuki."Without another word, Seth disappeared into a shadow. Kazuki waited a moment before smiling. Seth had destroyed the wooden twig infused with his Spear Mastery.But he hadn't gotten rid of the nanobots that had infiltrated his flesh."Possible," responded Kazuki. The next moment, the formidable warrior leaned heavily against a tree behind him."You should go rest," advised Priam."What will you do?" asked the hoplite, gritting his teeth."First, Ill keep an eye on this barrier. Then, I have some ideas to discuss with the others. I won't leave until you're in shape," reassured Priam.Kazuki nodded before being seized by spasms. His tremors were so powerful that he nearly uprooted the tree supporting him with a shoulder shove."... Are you going to be okay?""The symbiosis is ending and... Let's just say, until now, electrical circuits reinforced my nerves. I'm trying to manage the disconnection with Micro, but it's complicated," the warrior breathed."Go to my room," offered Priam, opening a Secret Passage in a nearby tree. Kazuki staggered to the portal before disappearing. "Thank you."Priam stared at the spot where the portal had just closed. Conflicting emotions stirred within him. Kazuki was a rival. An ally of circumstance. Up until now, he had admired the hoplite for his martial prowess, his teaching, and his honor.It was different now. Kazuki had undoubtedly saved his family's lives. According to Log-a-rhythm, he hadn't hesitated for a second to protect their base. Of course, the hoplite had a personal interest in it, but that didn't change the facts.Kazuki had risked his life to help him."What do you think of Kazuki?"Sphinx, still nestled against Priam, looked up at him with big, innocent eyes. "I think he's a friend!"Priam smiled. "Yes, me too...""But you're my best friend!" exclaimed Sphinx.Priam burst into laughter."Here's what went down," Priam summarized. He had waited for the barrier to restore itself before letting his loved ones out. Sitting cross-legged on a platform conjured by Log-a-rhythm, everyone had listened as Priam commented on Log-a-rhythm's projection. Only the special connection between Priam and his tree allowed for mental projection. The others had to watch a movie. An action movie. "Whoa. And I thought I was catching up," Louis muttered."Kazuki was impressive," Alain agreed. "But Seth too, and there are still other rivals...""At least five more according to Seth," confirmed Priam. "Their bases are marked on the map.""As well as a multitude of resources," Blueberry pointed out. "Have you already chosen your first target?" Blueberry asked."What makes you think I'm eyeing those resources?""You're as greedy as a dragon. You hatched a plan to snatch a fruit during your Tribulations, and I almost lost my life picking it up, remember?""Um, yes," coughed Priam. "I was thinking of waiting for Kazuki to raid as many locations as possible. Starting with those close by, far from the other rivals' camps or monsters, and interesting for Log-a-rhythm."Priam turned to his father. "Plus, I'd like to use my inner world.""What do you mean?""Why steal a fruit when I can steal the whole tree?"A silence settled before Blueberry burst into laughter. "And to think you had the nerve to ask me how I knew you wanted those resources!"Priam joined in the laughter."Thats nice, but what about Seth?" Mirscella asked after everyone had calmed down.Priam felt anger rising in him. He quickly mastered it. "Kazuki placed a technological tracker in him. As soon as the opportunity arisesI'll finish what Arnold started.Status: Average value for a Homo sapiens male before integration: PHY 10 / MEN 10 / META 0PHYSICAL:Strength 398Constitution 662 +16Agility 404 Vitality 538 +27 Perception 582 MENTAL:Vivacity 322Dexterity 422Memory 127 Willpower 648 +28 Charisma 418 META:Meta-affinity 334 +8 Meta-focus 241Meta-endurance 185 +12 Meta-perception 107 Meta-chance 216 Meta-authority 12 Potential: 828 +23Tier 0He Who Eludes Death charge: OFF. Reloaded in 13 hours 2 minutes 2 seconds.Tribulation: Four Tribulations pending.Future Tribulations delayed until:Time: 176 days 13 hours 35 minutes 15 seconds.
